ROCKVILLE, MD. – IHG’s betting that at least some fitness-minded guests will want to work out in the privacy of their own room.
The ability to have an in-room workout is one of the basics for people who check into IHG’s newest chain, EVEN Hotels. The chain’s designed to go after the same business travelers who might otherwise check into a Marriott Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn or Hyatt Place. At home, they might shop at Whole Foods. There’s a good chance they eat kale.
I had the chance to experience the fledgling EVEN brand on Friday night during a small media event with Adam Glickman, who created the brand for IHG, and Scott Blakeslee, who’s based at the Rockville location but will oversee the other hotels. I saw, tasted and heard many new things during my stay, so stay tuned for additional posts over the coming days.
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Above and below, you can get a feel for the workouts that are possible in guest rooms.
Not included in the photos are the fact that the rooms also contain a yoga mat – which currently, to my knowledge, are only a staple only at Kimpton hotels (please correct me if I’m wrong!). There’s another thoughtful touch that workout buffs will appreciate: A box of anti-bacterial wipes, so you can wipe off your mat before/after your workout.
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The TV in the room swivels, so you can watch it no matter where you are in the room. And in terms of workout-minded programming, there are a variety of options depending on the time you have (15 minutes or 30) and the type of workout you’d like to do (resistance band training, yoga, etc.).
Personally, the concept intrigues me. I regularly do yoga and workout in other ways every single day, business travel/meetings permitting of course! But I’d definitely rather go downstairs to the large gym that’s packed with free weights, upscale treadmills and a yoga studio.
Readers: What do you think about working out in your room – especially if you’re given adequate tools?
